Adjustable gate for butt welding machine

ABSTRACT

A multiple upset pressure welding apparatus particularly adapted for cold welding wire ends together. The mechanism includes pairs of dies that are supported for relative movement toward and away from each other with the dies of the pairs also being relatively movable toward and away from each other. Gates or restraining devices are juxtaposed to each of the pairs of dies for permitting movement of the wires toward each other during the welding process and for precluding reverse movement of the wires when the pairs of dies are retracted. The restraining gates are adjustable so as to accommodate different size wires and to permit gripping of the wires adjacent the respective dies.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Walter J. Rozmus Hubbardsville, N.Y.

[211 App]. No. 794,171

[22] Filed Jan. 27, 1969 [45] Patented Oct. 19, 1971 [73] AssigneeKelsey-Hayes Company [54] ADJUSTABLE GATE FOR BUTT WELDING 3,093,0186/1963 Rozmus 228/3 3,044,328 7/1962 Zysk 228]?) 2,891,430 6/1959Johnson 228/3 Primary Examiner-John F. Campbell Assistant Examiner-R. J.Craig Attorney-Harness, Dickey & Pierce ABSTRACT: A multiple upsetpressure welding apparatus particularly adapted for cold welding wireends together. The mechanism includes pairs of dies that are supportedfor relative movement toward and away from each other with the dies ofthe pairs also being relatively movable toward and away from each other.Gates or restraining devices are juxtaposed to each of the pairs of diesfor permitting movement of the wires toward each other during thewelding process and for precluding reverse movement of the wires whenthe pairs of dies are retracted. The restraining gates are adjustable soas to accommodate different size wires and to permit gripping of thewires adjacent the respective dies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a wire workingmachine or the like and more particularly to an adjustable restrainingmeans for holding a workpiece in such a machine.

Generally, this invention is adapted to be embodied in connection with amultiple upset pressure welding technique as disclosed in my U.S. Pat.No. 3,106,013, entitled Method of Pressure Welding Metals, issued Oct.8, i963. Additionally, the apparatus disclosed herein is particularlyadapted for use in an apparatus as shown in my U.S. Pat. No. 3,309,766,entitled Cold Pressure Welding Apparatus and Method, issued Mar. 21,I967. In connection with this welding technique, a first and second pairof dies are provided with the dies of the pairs being relatively movabletoward and away from each other between a released position and a wiregripping position. The pairs of dies are also relatively movable towardand away from each other between a normal position and a weldingposition. As is noted in my aforenoted patents, the welding techniqueinvolves a repeated upsetting process wherein the dies undergo theaforenoted relative movement through several cycles. After the firstupset has occurred, retraction of the dies will exert some tensile forceon the wires that tends to separate the weld. A gripping or restrainingmechanism is, therefore, normally provided to restrain the wires andpreclude their being pulled apart. The restraining mechanism shown in myaforenoted U.S. Pat. No. 3,309,766 employs pairs of pivotally supportedgates that permit the wire to be drawn inwardly as the dies close, butwhich coact to preclude any substantial reverse movement of the wires.This restraining mechanism has proven to be highly satisfactory but doeshave certain defects, particularly if the welding machine is adapted tohandle wires of different diameters.

In order to assure maximum efficiency, the point of engagement betweenthe gates and the wire ends should be disposed closely adjacent theretracted position of the adjacent pair of dies. This proximityprecludes buckling of the wires when the dies are retracted. If thegates are designed to have such close proximity for a given size wire,the use of the machine to weld a larger diameter wire will causeinterference between the gates and the dies. It has, therefore, been acommon practice to substitute different sets of restraining gates whendifferent size wires are welded with the machine. In addition to beingtime consuming, the small gates may be readily misplaced or the wrongsets may be installed in the machine.

It is, therefore, a principal object of this invention to provide anadjustable restraining means for a wire working machine.

It is another object of this invention to provide an adjustablerestraining gate structure for a cold wire butt welding machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is particularly adapted to beembodied in a wire working machine or the like of the type having firstand second pairs of dies and means for supporting the dies of the pairsfor relative movement toward and away from each other and for supportingthe pairs of dies for relative movement toward and away from each other.Restraining means are provided, in accordance with the invention, forengaging a workpiece and holding the workpiece against any substantialmovement as the pairs of dies move away from each other. Thisrestraining means comprises at least a first member that is supportedfor pivotal movement about an axis spaced from at least one of the pairsof dies. The first member has an engaging portion spaced from the pivotaxis and juxtaposed to the one pair of dies. This engaging portion isadapted to engage a workpiece for restraining the workpiece frommovement in one direction as the pair of dies move away from each other.The first member is pivotal about the pivot axis for permitting movementof the workpiece in a direction opposite to the one direction as thepair of dies move toward each other. Means are provided for adjustingthe distance between the pivot axis and the engaging portion foraccommodating different size workpieces and for maintaining theengagement of the engaging portion with such workpieces in closeproximity to the one pair of dies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a top plan view of amultiple upset pressure welding machine embodying this invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the restraining gates associated with onepair of dies in the machine shown in FIG. I with portions of the machineremoved.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the gates shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the restraining gates.

FIG. 5 is a view, in part similar to FIG. 4, showing the gate in anotherposition.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the gate shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross -sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the eccentric adjusting pin of the gate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first to FIG.I, a cold wire butt welding machine embodying this invention isidentified generally by the reference numeral ill. The machine 11 isparticularly adapted to perform a multiple upset welding technique asdisclosed in my aforenoted U.S. Pat. No. 3,l06,013 and may beconstructed in substantial accordance with my aforenoted U.S. Pat. No.3,309,766. For this reason, the details of the construction of thecomplete machine will not be given and only that portion of the machinenecessary to understand the invention of this application will bedescribed in detail.

The machine 11 includes generally a frame assembly 12 in which a firstpair of welding dies 13 and 14 and a second pair of welding dies 15 and16 are supported. First and second V- blocks 17 and 118 coact with thedies I4, 16 and 13, 15, respectively.

One or the other or both of the V-blocks l7 and 18 may be actuated bymeans of an operating handle assembly 19 and interrelated actuatingmechanism (not shown) for causing the V-blocks 17 and 18 to undergorelative movement toward and away from each other. As the V-blocks l7and 18 move toward each other, the pairs of dies 13, I4 and I5, 16 willbe moved relatively toward each other and the dies of the pairs willalso be moved relatively toward each other. The movement of the dies 13,14 and 15, 16 toward each other will cause these dies to move from aretracted position to a gripping position with the associated wire ends(not shown) wherein the wires are gripped in the respective grooves ofthe dies as disclosed in my aforenoted patents. The movement of thepairs of dies 13, 14 relatively toward the pair of dies l5, 16 willcause the wire ends to be brought into abutting relationship forupsetting as also disclosed in my aforenoted United States patents.Return movement of the handle assembly 19 causes relative retraction ofthe V-blocks 17, 18 and the springs (not shown) associated with the diesl3, 14, 15, 16 causes retraction of the dies to the position shown inFIG. 1.

When the dies 13, 14, l5, 16 are in their retracted, open positions, itis desirable to provide some means for holding the wire ends againstmovement. In addition, due to the use of the V-biocks 1'7, 18 the dies13, 14 and 15, 1 retract away from each other at the same time as thesepairs of dies open. Hence, they will exert a tensile force upon theupset wire unless the wire is held against return movement along withthe dies 13, 14 and 15 16. Restraining devices 21 and 22 are providedfor coaction with the pairs of dies l3, l4 and 15, 16, respectively.These restraining devices will now be described in detail, particularreference being had additionally to the remaining figures.

The restraining device 21 is comprised of a pair of pivotally supportedgates 23 and 24, and the restraining device 22 is comprised of a pair ofpivotally supported restraining gates 25 and 26. The gates 23, 24 and25, 26 are substantially the same in construction with the gate 23 beingidentical to the gate 26 and the gate 24 being identical to the gate 25.In addition, the gates 24 and 25 are symmetrically opposite to the gates23 and 26. Thus, only the gate 23 will be described in detail. The gate23 is comprised of a supporting portion 27 which also forms a pivot pinfor pivotally supporting the gate 23 in a manner which will become moreapparent as this description proceeds. An L-shaped arm comprised of afirst leg 28 and a second leg 29 is integrally formed with the pivot pinmounting portion 27. The legs 28 and 29 extend at right angles to eachother. The face of the leg 29 that is adapted to be positioned adjacentthe die 13 is formed with a diagonally extending slot 31 in which agripping member 32 is slidably supported. The gripping member 32 has agripping edge 33 that is adapted to engage the wire, as will become moreapparent as this description proceeds, and a transverse slot 34. At thebase of the slot 34, the gripper 32 is formed with an elongatedgenerally ovalshaped aperture 35.

An eccentric adjusting pin, indicated generally by the reference numeral36, is provided for restraining the gripper 32 within the slot 31 of thegate 23 and for adjusting the distance between the engaging end 33 andthe pivot axis defined by the portion 27. The eccentric pin 36 is formedwith a first, enlarged cylindrical portion 37 that is received in theslot 34 in the outer face of the gripper 32 and which has a diametersubstantially equal to the width of the slot 34. A second cylindricalportion 38 of the pin 36 extends through the elongated slot 35 of thegripper 32 and is journaled in a cylindrical bore 39 formed in the gateleg 29 at the base of its slot 31. Adjacent the outer face of the leg29, the pin 36 is formed with a reduced portion 41 in which a springwasher 42 and snap ring 43 are received to hold the gripper member 32relative to the leg 29 of the gate and to create sufficient frictionalforce to preclude against inadvertent rotation of the pin 36. The outerend of the pin 36 is formed with a slotted head 44 so as to permitinsertion of a flat bladed tool such as a screwdriver whereby the pin 36may be rotated. It will be noted that the cylindrical portion 37 has itsaxis disposed ec centrically to the axis of the portion 38. Rotation ofthe pin 36 will, therefore, cam the gripper 32 from a fully shortenedposition (FIG. 4) to a fully extended position (FIG. This rotationadjusts the distance between the gripping edge 33 and the pivot axisdefined by the pin portion 27. If desired, the rear face of the leg 29may be provided with indicia 45, 46 and 47 that coact with the slottedportion 44 of the pin 36 to indicate three positions of adjustment.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 1 through 3, the mounting portions 27of each of the gates 23, 24, and 26 is mounted in respectivecomplementary cylindrical bore 48 formed in the machine base 12. Each ofthe gates 23, 24, 25 and 26 has a depending pin 51 affixed to the outerportion of its leg 29 (FIGS. 4 through 6). The pins 51 of the gates 23and 24 are received in a groove (not shown) formed in a biasing member52 that is slidably supported by the machine 11 and which is engaged bya spring 53 to urge the gates 23 and 24 in a clockwise andcounterclockwise direction, respectively. If no wire is in place,beveled rear surfaces 54 and 55 of the gates 23 and 24 will engage eachother so that the gripping edges 33 lie against each other. A similarstructure is provided for the gates 25 and 26 and description of thisstructure will not be repeated. If it is desired to open the gates 23,24 and 25, 26 so that wire ends can be inserted, handles 56 and 57 arerotated toward the frame 12. These handles operate upstanding pins 58and 59 that are received in slots at the rear ends of the biasingmembers 52. The biasing members 52 will then be urged inwardly againstthe action of the springs 52 to open the gates 23, 24 and 25, 26.

When wires are properly loaded in the machine and the multiple upsetwelding technique employed in the manner previously described, the gates23, 24 and 25, 26 will pivot against the action of the springs 53 topermit the ends of the wires to be drawn inwardly as the pairs of diesl3, l4 and 15, 16 move toward each other. When the dies retract,however, the pressure of the gates 23, 24 and 25, 26 upon the wiresunder the action of the springs 53 will preclude the wires fromretracting.

As has been noted, it is important that the point of contact between theends of the gates 23, 24 and 25, 26 and particularly the gripping edgesbe disposed as closely as possible to the adjacent dies 13, l4, l5 and16. Some gap, however, must exist to permit the pivotal movementpreviously described. It should also be apparent that if the ends 33were disposed at a fixed distance from the pivot axis defined by thegate portions 27, the insertion ofa larger wire into the machine wouldcause the points 33 to move closer to the respective dies. Hence, ifthese points were disposed closely adjacent the dies and the larger wireinserted, interference would result. Thus, the adjustment provided forby the gates 23, 24, 25 and 26, which has been described, permits wireswithin a large range of diameters to be gripped each closely adjacentthe respective die.

What is claimed is:

1. In a wire working machine or the like of a type having a first pairof dies, a second pair of dies and means for supporting the dies of saidpairs for relative movement toward and away from each other and forsupporting said pairs of dies for relative movement toward and away fromeach other, the improvement comprising restraining means for engaging aworkpiece and holding the workpiece against any substantial movement assaid pairs of dies move away from each other, said restraining meanscomprising at least a first member, means for supporting said firstmember for pivotal movement about an axis spaced from at least oneofsaid pairs of dies, an engaging portion spaced from said pivot axisand juxtaposed to said one pair of dies, said engaging portion beingadapted to engage a workpiece for restraining the workpiece frommovement in one direction as said pairs of dies move away from eachother, said first member being pivotal about said pivot axis forpermitting movement of the workpiece in a direction opposite to the onedirection as said pairs of dies move toward each other, and means foradjusting the distance between said pivot axis and said engaging portionfor accommodating different size workpieces and for maintaining theengagement of said engaging portion with such workpieces in closeproximity to said one pair of dies.

2. A wire working machine or the like as set forth in claim 1 whereinthe first member defines a pivot pin portion and an outstanding armportion, said pivot pin portion comprising the means for supporting thefirst member for pivotal movement, and further including a restrainingmember movably supported upon said arm and adjustable with respectthereto.

3. A wire working machine or the like as set forth in claim I whereinthe means for adjusting the distance between the pivot axis and theengaging portion comprises an eccentric pin.

4. A wire working machine or the like as set forth in claim 1 whereinthe first member defines a pivot pin portion and an outstanding armportion, said pivot pin portion comprising the means for supporting thefirst member for pivotal movement, a restraining member slidablysupported by said arm and having an end portion adapted to engage theworkpiece for restraining the workpiece, an eccentric pin having a firstcylindrical portion journaled in said restraining member and a secondcylindrical portion journaled in said arm, said first cylindricalportion having its axis offset with respect to said second cylindricalportion for adjustment of the position of said engaging member withrespect to the pivot axis defined by said pivot pin portion.

5. A wire working machine or the like as set forth in claim 1 furtherincluding a second restraining member as defined in claim 1, each ofsaid restraining members being juxtaposed to a respective die of the onepair of dies.

6. A wire working machine or the like as set forth in claim 5 whereineach of the restraining members comprises a pivot pin portion and anoutstanding arm portion, said pivot pin portion comprising the means forsupporting the first member for pivotal movement, a restraining memberslidably supported by said arm and having an end portion adapted toengage the workpiece for restraining the workpiece, an eccentric pinhaving a first cylindrical portion journaled in said restraining memberand a second cylindrical portion journaled in said arm, said firstcylindrical portion having its axis offset with respect to said secondcylindrical portion for adjustment of the position of said engagingmember with respect to the pivot axis defined by said pivot pin portion.

7. A wire workingmachine or the like comprising a first pair of dies, asecond pair of dies, means for supporting the dies of said pairs of diesfor relative movement toward and away from each other and for supportingsaid pairs of dies for relative movement toward and away from eachother, restraining means for engaging a workpiece and holding theworkpiece against any substantial movement as said pairs of dies moveaway from each other and for permitting the workpiece to move as saidpairs of dies move toward each other, said restraining means having anengaging portion juxtaposed to said first pair of dies and adapted toengage the workpiece, and means for adjusting the position of saidengaging portion relative to said first pair of dies for accommodatingdifierent size workpieces and for maintaining the engagement of saidengaging portion with such workpieces in close proximity to said onepair of dies.

8. A wire working machine or the like as set forth in claim 7 whereinthe restraining means is pivotally supported.

9. A wire working machine or the like as set forth in claim 8 whereinthe means for adjusting the position of the engaging portion includesmeans for adjusting the distance between the pivot axis of therestraining means and its engaging portion.

1. In a wire working machine or the like of a type having a first pairof dies, a second pair of dies and means for supporting the dies of saidpairs for relative movement toward and away from each other and forsupporting said pairs of dies for relative movement toward and away fromeach other, the improvement comprising restraining means for engaging aworkpiece and holding the workpiece against any substantial movement assaid pairs of dies move away from each other, said restraining meanscomprising at least a first member, means for supporting said firstmember for pivotal movement about an axis spaced from at least one ofsaid pairs of dies, an engaging portion spaced from said pivot axis andjuxtaposed to said one pair of dies, said engaging portion being adaptedto engage a workpiece for restraining the workpiece from movement in onedirection as said pairs of dies move away from each other, said firstmember being pivotal about said pivot axis for permitting movement ofthe workpiece in a direction opposite to the one direction as said pairsof dies move toward each other, and means for adjusting the distancebetween said pivoT axis and said engaging portion for accommodatingdifferent size workpieces and for maintaining the engagement of saidengaging portion with such workpieces in close proximity to said onepair of dies.
 2. A wire working machine or the like as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the first member defines a pivot pin portion and anoutstanding arm portion, said pivot pin portion comprising the means forsupporting the first member for pivotal movement, and further includinga restraining member movably supported upon said arm and adjustable withrespect thereto.
 3. A wire working machine or the like as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the means for adjusting the distance between the pivotaxis and the engaging portion comprises an eccentric pin.
 4. A wireworking machine or the like as set forth in claim 1 wherein the firstmember defines a pivot pin portion and an outstanding arm portion, saidpivot pin portion comprising the means for supporting the first memberfor pivotal movement, a restraining member slidably supported by saidarm and having an end portion adapted to engage the workpiece forrestraining the workpiece, an eccentric pin having a first cylindricalportion journaled in said restraining member and a second cylindricalportion journaled in said arm, said first cylindrical portion having itsaxis offset with respect to said second cylindrical portion foradjustment of the position of said engaging member with respect to thepivot axis defined by said pivot pin portion.
 5. A wire working machineor the like as set forth in claim 1 further including a secondrestraining member as defined in claim 1, each of said restrainingmembers being juxtaposed to a respective die of the one pair of dies. 6.A wire working machine or the like as set forth in claim 5 wherein eachof the restraining members comprises a pivot pin portion and anoutstanding arm portion, said pivot pin portion comprising the means forsupporting the first member for pivotal movement, a restraining memberslidably supported by said arm and having an end portion adapted toengage the workpiece for restraining the workpiece, an eccentric pinhaving a first cylindrical portion journaled in said restraining memberand a second cylindrical portion journaled in said arm, said firstcylindrical portion having its axis offset with respect to said secondcylindrical portion for adjustment of the position of said engagingmember with respect to the pivot axis defined by said pivot pin portion.7. A wire working machine or the like comprising a first pair of dies, asecond pair of dies, means for supporting the dies of said pairs of diesfor relative movement toward and away from each other and for supportingsaid pairs of dies for relative movement toward and away from eachother, restraining means for engaging a workpiece and holding theworkpiece against any substantial movement as said pairs of dies moveaway from each other and for permitting the workpiece to move as saidpairs of dies move toward each other, said restraining means having anengaging portion juxtaposed to said first pair of dies and adapted toengage the workpiece, and means for adjusting the position of saidengaging portion relative to said first pair of dies for accommodatingdifferent size workpieces and for maintaining the engagement of saidengaging portion with such workpieces in close proximity to said onepair of dies.
 8. A wire working machine or the like as set forth inclaim 7 wherein the restraining means is pivotally supported.
 9. A wireworking machine or the like as set forth in claim 8 wherein the meansfor adjusting the position of the engaging portion includes means foradjusting the distance between the pivot axis of the restraining meansand its engaging portion.